Alternative Medicine
The Benefits of Chinese Medicine – an Alternative Medicine for Drug Free Health
The history of Chinese medicine is far from well-defined, but it is believed to have been practised for 5,000 years. The Yellow Emperor, whose reign could have been anything between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago, is thought to have commissioned the first written document concerning Chinese medicine which is Hung-Di Nei-Jing (Cannon of Internal Medicine).
Although methods, such as food therapy, qi gong and massage, play a secondary role to the primary branches that are herbal medicine and acupuncture they still play an important part in the healing process. But few know that restoring harmony and regaining balance rather than treating the disease is the aim of all traditional treatment.
Any illness or disease is caused primarily by lack of harmony. Whereas modern medicine treats bacteria and viruses directly by the use of antibiotics or vaccines, Chinese medicine has a holistic view and targets the imbalance with the philosophy that well-balanced human bodies can resist most everyday illness and disease.
While more and more medical schools are including classes on alternative medicine in their syllabuses, the relationship between Chinese medicine and Western medicine is still contentious. A more subjective view of Chinese medicine is more likely amongst Chinese modern medical practitioners than their older Western counterparts.
Even though, the techniques are now valued in the west. In fact, pharmaceutical companies have recognised the value of traditional medicines and teams of scientists in many parts of the world are engaged to collect knowledge from traditional Chinese medical practitioners. T’ai Chi Ch’uan or qigong, amongst other methods, are being included in classes of hospitals and clinics in the Western world as part of their inpatient and health programmes.
Chinese Medicine is not considered alternative medicine to over three quarters of the worlds population and it is precisely in the areas of prevention and dealing with physical or emotional illnesses that it excels. For thousands of years it has been seen as form of non-invasive, therapeutic and risk free treatment.
Attitudes towards modern medicine and its reliance on synthetic drugs have influenced many to seek support in alternative medicine and Chinese medicine in particular. Chinese medicine is becoming a popular alternative as a means of helping with addictions or dietary problems, amongst other conditions, and regular treatments can serve to maintain good health.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Basic Understanding
TCM is based on the balance of opposing elements (the yin and yang) in the body, as well as their harmony with the environment around it. The two main forces of yin and yang combine to form the “qi” (pronounced as “chee”) or universal life force. When qi is in harmony, health is not only enhanced but also the capacity for fufilment, happiness and well being. Disease and illness arise from imbalances of yin and yang that block the proper flow of qi. Therapies to treat disease are aimed at restoring the balance and unblocking the flow to restore health.
TCM is primarily non-invasive. TCM treatments include the use of Chinese herbs, acupuncture, meditation, Chinese massage therapy, mental and physical disciplines such as Tai Chi and Qigong and nutritional therapy. Practitioners will attempt to realign the body’s balance using a combination of treatments before suggesting surgery by a Western Doctor.
Most research into the effectiveness of TCM has been conducted on acupuncture. Although it has been difficult to conclusively prove the benefits of acupunture, the results of large-scale studies are sufficiently convincing enough for FDA to consider the tradition “promising” and worthy of further study.
In addition, it has been proven that many herbs used in Chinese medicine have therapeutic benefits. For instance, ginseng and Echinacea are both powerful herbs with strong medicinal actions. More recently, there has been some acknowledgement that Chinese massage therapies do help to manipulate muscles, nerves and tendons.
There are many criticisms of TCM as a form of healing. Most TCM methodologies have no research basis and remain largely unproven. Also, some of the TCM beliefs have been mixed with Eastern mythology. For instance, tiger penis is used as an energy supplement as tigers are considered energetic animals. Whether it really helps to boost energy levels remain unsubstantiated by proper research. Most of the Chinese herbs are also not regulated. This makes it more important to consult with a reputable and reliable TCM practitioner.
However, aside from the criticisms, there is much merit in the philosophy of TCM. healing. If more research can be done into TCM, then the mythology can be separated from the facts and perhaps, more people will embrace TCM more readily as a form of healing.
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Chinese Medicine Training Today
While a number of these academic courses include practical Chinese medicine training in Qi gong, Tai Chi and Tuina, there are a great many of alternative medicine and conventional medicine schools that have been or have begun offering extensive Chinese medicine training in acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).
As both a complementary and alternative healing treatment, Chinese medicine training is critical to potential healers seeking to become certified and/or licensed practitioners of the art. In modern academic institutions, Chinese medicine training curriculums encompass a wide array of health classes, including but not limited to studies in shiatsu, acupressure, acupuncture, Chinese medicine philosophies and theories, herbal medicine, moxibustion (cupping), Asian bodywork therapies, meridian therapy and other related instruction.
In addition to standard curriculum, students participating in one of a number of Chinese medicine training programs will find that some of the more advanced subjects of study (i.e.., Master’s and/or Doctorate programs) will include lessons in Chinese medical terminology (often in Mandarin), pathology, physiology, anatomy, chemistry and pharmacology.
Students, who desire to enroll in degreed courses (such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine degrees) will discover that many Chinese medicine colleges and schools often require standard prerequisites prior to enrollment. Requirements may include formal education and training at a conventional college, university or technical school. It is always wise to carefully examine all academic requirements prior to applying for any number of Chinese medicine training programs; as schools may vary in this aspect, as well as tuition, program lengths, accreditation, etc.
Other Chinese medicine training programs commonly include certificate programs in Chinese herbal medicine, Tai Chi, Tuina and acupressure – to name a few. Students choosing Chinese medicine training in a variety of massage therapies may qualify to sit for the national certification exam to become certified massage therapists (again, this depends on course curriculum and whether school meets state and/or national educational requirements).
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding appropriate Chinese medicine training to help attain your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.
Chinese Medicine Training Today
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